Looking for a Medium or Medium Heavy 1/4-5/8th jig spinning rod for river wading

[Jma1087]

Hi all,

 

I have recently started wading rivers for smallmouth in my area. I've literally been having the most fun I've had fishing in a while. I am currently using a Medium Light spinning rod but I feel like I need something a little heavier. I mainly throw 1/4-3/8oz jigs + trailer as well as some soft plastics (tubes, craws, etc). I know for sure that I am overstepping the lure weight rating for my current rod and it just doesn't feel good, especially when trying to set the hook.  I'm not sure if I should step up to a Medium or a Medium Heavy. I am leaning more towards a Medium since I do like the fight smallmouths give but I am realizing that many Medium rods are only capable of up to 5/8 lure weight which I think I am above when using a jig/trailer. I also want to keep it "compact" as I sometimes cast from the bank around a lot of trees. I feel that 6'8-7" would be perfect so I didn't really don't want to go over 7". I also prefer a spinning rod/reel when wading so I don't have to deal with any backlashes while in the water. I would be pairing this new rod up with a Shimano Vanford 2500.  I would love to hear some recommendations on some stiffer Mediums or "shorter" Medium Heavy rods. Maybe someone that is in a similar situation as me, what do you use? My budget is around the $250-$300 area. Bonus points if its USA made but it's not a deal breaker if it isn't.

 

Thank you in advance

Joe

[GetFishorDieTryin]

It's hard to find a rod that can fish smaller unweighted plastics and still have the backbone to fish a 3/8 jig +trailer.  

I would think you would be using smaller sized jigs and trailers since your going after smallies, but some of those smaller heavily salted baits weight 1/4 alone.  There are some M power rods rated 1/8-3/4 that would work. 

Daiwa has a 7' M Tatula that are rated 1/8-3/4.  I've handled them, never fished them.  They feel like they would be great on the lower end, but to be honest I dont see that rod having the backbone to effectively fish a 3/8 jig.

 

The Phenix M1 and Feather both offer a 1/8-3/4 M but they are 7'2 and 7'1 respectively.  The M1s fish the lower end well and I they feel like have more power in then the Tatula.

 

SCs Mojo Inshore and Avid Inshore Ms have a little more power the freshwater Ms.  They're rated 3/8-3/4, but they throw 1/4 just fine.  They're good rods, nice and light plenty sensitive.

 

If you didnt throw jig over 1/4 I would say suggest the MB Orochi Shakeyhead.  I handled the Shakeyhead and Whipsnake the other week and those rods feel spectacular.  I was shocked at the amount of backbone the Whipsnake had for being a DS rod.  The new SC LTBs were right to them on the rack and it felt like the Orochis were just on another level.  They do have a Ronin which is a 6'8 M 1/4-3/4, I think it's actually made for the vision 110s but I could be wrong.  They make an Enforcer as well, 1/4-5/8 which would work but its 7'4.  They are 350$ but the quality is definitely there and worth the extra 50$ if you could swing it.

 

 

[CrashVector]

Abu Garcia Veritas tournament edition spinning rod in MH/F.  1/4oz - 3/4oz lure rating.  $180.

 

I love mine, and use it to fling weightless plastics and jigs similar to what you are looking for.

[Deephaven]

I have a 6'6" SC Avid MHF that I use for skipping wacky rigs to docks and it easily has enough power to do what you want.  Since you truly want 3/4 I would do a MH.  I haven't held a M that I feel would be enough.

[thunderblack]

Shimano Expride MF

Legend Tourney 7-1 MF

Daiwa Tatula 7' M F

Daiwa Rebellion 7' M